one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

also -dī-

1

: having one dimension

A straight line is one-dimensional.

The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.

—Douglas R. Hofstadter

2

: lacking depth or complexity : superficial

To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.

—Bob Fisher

one-dimensionality

ˈwən-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

also -dī-

noun

one-di​mension​ally adverb

a one-dimensionally portrayed character

The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Synonyms of one-dimensional

• superficial
• shallow

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

a one-dimensional analysis of a novel that has a lot to say about personal courage

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike the full theory of the strong force, which operates in three spatial dimensions, this model reduces the problem to a one-dimensional chain while retaining key features such as charges, strings, and confinement. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

Simmons has previously emphasized that his offense cannot become one-dimensional, and Saturday’s performance illustrated why establishing the run remains so important. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

The Giants were moving the ball before Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers left the game and the Rams essentially played against a one-dimensional team the rest of the way. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Dillane, superb in Harris Dickinson’s Urchin, has presence but is somewhat shortchanged by the script’s one-dimensional grasp of Willoughby, the dashing romantic hero revealed to be an opportunistic cad who breaks Marianne’s heart. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-dimensional

• multidimensional
• unidimensional
• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped